Siren's Kiss

24: Birthrights

When Ciel awoke the next morning, he was first aware of how refreshed he felt. The heat that had plagued him had subsided, though it had not completely disappeared. He also became conscious of the arm around his waist, and when he turned to face the person holding him, he was captivated by how beautiful Drake was. These distractions took many forms, and in the process, Ciel discovered a variety of feelings he didn't know he had. He was undeniably drawn to Drake in more ways than one.

Drake woke with a start and found a pair of lovely orbs and a gorgeous face staring back at him. He smiled, "Are ye alright?"

"I am fine," Ciel simply answered, his gaze unwavering.

Drake pulled him closer. "I'm sorry. I never had someone like ye, so I don't know what to do with ye."

"You did well."

"Your Highness, don't try to pull me leg. That was a poor attempt."

Ciel giggled at the memory. "I liked it. I enjoyed it."

"Ye did?"

"Yes. I would've loved it if you went all the way."

Drake's brow twitched a little. "Aye, but I just don't feel this be the right place."

A warm smile escaped Ciel's lips as he reached out and traced the outline of Drake's face with his fingertips. "I don't believe in the right place. But I do believe in doing it with the right person."

The pirate captain gazed lovingly at his siren prince. How pleasant it was to simply watch those brilliant sea-grey orbs that reminded him so much of the ocean under a bright full moon. Drake felt peaceful and serene each time he looked at them, unable to believe that these were the same eyes that produced those pearls out of tears.

Suddenly, Drake moved on top of Ciel, mingling his tongue with his in a deep kiss. The passions that rose and fell in ever-ascending waves rushed through him, escalating again. It was indescribable and unbelievable, but in Ciel's subconscious, it was the only thing acceptable in this world.

When their lips parted, they looked at each other with understanding. How wonderful it was that Drake seemed to have yielded to him completely, becoming patient, tender, and sweet.

"I think I understand it now... that thing you asked about soulmates," Ciel admitted. "I feel it. When I'm with you..."

With a soft chuckle, Drake kissed him again, and they both simply rejoiced in how it felt too good to have their bodies respond the same way they did before. They felt excited and terribly alive...

●～●～●～●～●

"Cap'n!"

"Cap'nnnnnnn, we miss ye!!!"

Ciel watched in amusement as the crew of the Crimson Corsairs rushed to greet their captain, hugging him and shedding tears of joy. They resembled children eagerly waiting for their parents to return home.

He noticed Queen Althea from the corner of his eye and glanced back. She was watching Drake and his crew with a faraway look on her face. Ciel couldn't discern her thoughts exactly, but he sensed she missed her son and was curious about his world, his companions, and how he had survived the sea with only his wits and sheer determination.

"Right, dearest mother," Drake began, facing the Amazon leader. "I do not wish to wait fer them two idiots, an' I certainly did not agree to bring them on this here grand adventure sponsored by the firebird."

Despite Drake growing up mostly with his father, Althea seemed to know her son well. "You're not advancing without them."

Ciel was also confused by this response. He trusted the Phoenix God from his dream and believed everything happened for a reason. He concluded that this was indeed their next destination, for the god had not appeared in his dreams the previous nights, suggesting they were in the right place and needed to fulfill their duty before the god would reveal the next path. However, some things didn't seem to add up. "In what way can Captain Hawk and Captain Ladyqueen help us?"